Our Top 50 Songs of 2020

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2020 was rough on all fronts, but perhaps unsurprisingly, its saving grace was the new music released over the past year. Though the industry was hit hard, and most live music has been suspended indefinitely, many artists and their teams overcame this new adversity. Together they worked to release records to tie fans over in tough times, and we couldn’t be more appreciative. Our team at StereoVision listened to a lot of music this year, and lately we’ve been hard at work compiling a year-end list showcasing our favorite tracks of 2020. We hope that you enjoy it - here’s to 2021!

As you read, listen along with our “Best of 2020” playlists on Spotify & Apple Music here:


Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist: 1985

With the amount of time & artistry that went into Freddie Gibbs’ 2019 effort Bandana, I’m sure very few people were expecting an immediate follow-up this year. Yet Alfredo goes to show just how efficient two artists can become when they’re both at the top of their game. On “1985,” Gibbs gives a borderline flawless performance—he’s focused, he’s hungry, and his flows damn near float over an obscure Rúben Rada sample flipped masterfully by executive producer The Alchemist. The track is a brief, explosive opener to what otherwise serves as a pretty calm & collected listen, but it’s this separation from the rest of the album that lands it on this list. -Owen Tait

Listen to 1985 on Spotify. Freddie Gibbs · Song · 2020.


The Weeknd: Blinding Lights

The production, the vocals, the synths, and The Weeknd’s sheer energy on this song is enough for me to replay it five times every time it comes on in the car. The 1980’s Pop Synth sound brings The Weeknd’s voice to its peak and I’ve never seen an artist shift their sound and fit into a new lane as comfortably as he has this year. Although the entirety of After Hours is 80’s inspired, this song in particular fits that mold and shows us why it works so perfectly for Abel. -Courtney Fields

Listen to Blinding Lights on Spotify. The Weeknd · Song · 2020.


Childish Gambino: 12.38 (Feat. 21 Savage, Ink, & KAdhja bonet)

With global lockdowns and new releases from Uzi, PND, and The Weeknd, it’s safe to say that March was a month full of curveballs. Among the month’s records was Childish Gambino’s 3.15.20, an album both as dynamic - and inconsistent - as 2020 itself. Luckily “12.38” (unofficially called “Vibrate”) exists as the needle within the album’s haystack - a slow and off-kilter track that weaves together elements of jazz, R&B, and hip-hop. Guest appearances from 21 Savage, Ink, and Kadhja Bonet do not overstay their welcome, as all of them culminate for a truly cinematic ending that is worth the runtime. -Carter Fife

Listen to 12.38 (feat. 21 Savage, Ink & Kadhja Bonet) on Spotify. Childish Gambino · Song · 2020.


pop smoke: got it on me

Pop Smoke’s posthumous album cut “Got It On Me” is one of those moments when listeners can truly see how beautiful music can be. This “Many Men” remix is the essence of life comes full circle. The song is ironic, sad, and simply great. I deemed it necessary to include a Pop song on my list, with the year that he had it was pretty disrespectful to see almost no blogs had a single one of his songs on their lists. -Courtney Fields

Listen to Got It On Me on Spotify. Pop Smoke · Song · 2020.


Future: Ridin Striker

Back in January of 2020, if you would’ve told me that an aging Future would be in the running for rap MVP I would’ve laughed and told you to go back to 2015. To my delight, over the course of the year the Atlanta trapper proved me wrong with the release of his excellent solo album High Off Life, a terrific collab project with Lil Uzi Vert, and a slew of fantastic features. No moment shined brighter though than “Ridin Strikers,” a song that will go down as one of his best in an already loaded discography. Everything from the DS2-esque instrumental to Future’s captivating vocal performance is perfect and that goes without even mentioning the ominous outro where Fu and accomplices rob a bank well pourin’ up drank. -Spencer Lobdell

Listen to Ridin Strikers on Spotify. Future · Song · 2020.


Drake: Chicago Freestyle (Feat. Giveon)

In early May, the six-god blessed us with the chilling “Chicago Freestyle” which, despite it’s name, feels like the newest edition to his AM/PM series due to his reflective writing and focus on location. Drake locks into one of his most addicting yet laid-back flows of his career on this track and his interpolation of Eminem’s “Superman” is everything you could want. While the entire song is great, the best part about “Chicago Freestyle” might just be the fact that it was majority of the worlds introduction to the generational talent that is Giveon who steals the show and kills the hook. -Spencer Lobdell

Listen to Chicago Freestyle (feat. Giveon) on Spotify. Drake · Song · 2020.


Mac Miller: Good News

The lead single from Mac's posthumous album Circles, Good News is nothing short of a heart-wrenching listen. The plucky guitar strings and lo-fi production allow Mac to showcase his gifted singing voice. The song is easily a standout in the already stacked tracklist and one you'll find yourself revisiting over and over again. -Luke Modugno

Listen to Good News on Spotify. Mac Miller · Song · 2020.


Jay Electronica: a.p.i.d.t.a.

In addition to many other great records, Jay Electronica’s debut album was released in March. Made in 40 days with Jay-Z and a slew of celebrity producers, the album was worth the wait - especially for the record’s final track. The acronym stands for ‘All Praise Is Due To Allah’, and features Jay-Z and Electronica trading melancholic bars over a Khruangbin instrumental. This is probably my song of the year, as their meditations on death and serenity helped ground me in a time when Covid was turning the world upside down. -Carter Fife

Listen to A.P.I.D.T.A. on Spotify. Jay Electronica · Song · 2020.


Big Sean: Deep Reverence (Feat. nipsey hussle)

Big Sean teamed up with Nipsey Hussle the Great in his song, Deep Reverence, off the album Detroit 2. Nipsey opens up the song giving free game as always with lyrics like “from the mastermind first you master grind then your team catch it”. Big Sean follows up with reflective perspectives on everything from his relationships to mental health. -Chloe Clark

Listen to Deep Reverence (feat. Nipsey Hussle) on Spotify. Big Sean · Song · 2020.


Westside Gunn: $500 ounces (Feat. Freddie Gibbs & Roc Marciano)

Easily the best song on the project, every guest, including The Alchemist, does their part to make a grimy, classic Westside Gunn song. An absolutely essential 2020 listen. -Luke Modugno

Listen to $500 Ounces on Spotify. Westside Gunn · Song · 2020.


spillage village: mecca

Few releases this year felt as good as Spillage Village’s Spilligion and “Mecca” embodies everything the record stands for in such a perfect way. On the track, Earthgang and JID spread love all around the world well also showcasing a specific adoration for South Africa by using several of the nation’s slang terms. From the moment Johnny Venus kicks off his first verse with “Big ol’ bird I fly across the world and don’t look down” you can tell the song is special. The song sounds absolutely massive and contains a specific spiritual energy that Spillage Village seems to posses in abundance. -Spencer Lobdell

Listen to Mecca (with JID & EARTHGANG) on Spotify. Spillage Village · Song · 2020.


Jhené aiko: 10k hours (Feat. nas)

In this song from the excellent 2020 album Chilobmo, Jhene expresses emotions of heartbreak and loss. The lyrics are capable of relating to various audiences through raw expressions of love and nostalgia. Jhene’s angelic vocals are complemented by a feature by one of the industry’s best, Nas. -Chloe Clark

Listen to 10k Hours (feat. Nas) on Spotify. Jhené Aiko · Song · 2020.


Thundercat: funny thing

Thundercat has some kind of nerve releasing the perfect party song during the midst of a global pandemic where partying isn’t even possible. However, he will be forgiven because “Funny Thing” is such a wonderful track. The song exudes euphoria and puts a smile on my face during every listen. A simple track about the joys of getting intoxicated around friends and pretty people you want to get it in with, it is filled to the brim with tales of social life’s past. “Funny Thing” will make you reminiscent of those nights where you felt so good you felt like you were the main character. Although it allows one to reminisce, it does not leave room for one to let depression seep in. “Funny Thing” will have you on your feet in no time at all, dancing your worries away whether that be in the club or in your bedroom (and I hope for all our sake’s that until there’s a vaccine, it's the latter.) -Kaila Cherry

Listen to Funny Thing on Spotify. Thundercat · Song · 2020.


Lil baby: the bigger picture

This single released in midst of the Geogre Floyd protests mentions many of Lil Baby’s experiences with the criminal justic system, which in turn is also many other black people’s experiences as well. I for one, am proud that Baby dropped this. Often newer artists tend to stray away from social issues in an attempt to not take a side to not displease certain members of their fanbase. Baby’s stance was clear: the song is a direct jab towards the crooked criminal justice system and its neverending list of flaws. -Courtney Fields

Listen to The Bigger Picture on Spotify. Lil Baby · Song · 2020.


giveon: the beach

While the majority of people’s introduction to Giveon was his feature on “Chicago Freestyle”, his debut project Take Time blew almost everyone away. This track stands out as one of the more upbeat songs he has released in 2020. His voice is as strong as ever as the beautiful guitar in the background makes the track absolutely captivating. I wouldn't think of a better way to start a debut project. -Miles Hagan

Listen to THE BEACH on Spotify. Giveon · Song · 2020.


baby keem: hooligans

Somehow, despite only releasing two songs, Baby Keem had a terrific 2020 where he nearly doubled his monthly listeners, was interviewed by Kendrick Lamar, and had a very successful merch drop. Released alongside one of the best music videos of 2020, “hooligan” is a striking example of why people obsess over the young rapper. From the insanely catchy hook to Keem’s completely unique flows and lyrics, it’s obvious that there’s no ceiling on Baby Keem’s potential. -Spencer Lobdell

Listen to hooligan on Spotify. Baby Keem · Song · 2020.


Bino Rideaux: Brand New (Feat. Blxst)

In 2020, thanks to his terrific project OUTSIDE, Bino Rideaux, one of Nipsey Hussle’s proud proteges, finally got the love he’s deserved for years. This was in large part to “Brand New,” one of the last tracks on the excellent album that features one of 2020’s most impressive breakout stars, Blxst. This song is as smooth as it gets and do to it’s absolutely addictive qualities rose to become my most played track of the year. If you’re a fan, this video of the two LA artists recording the cut is an absolute must. -Spencer Lobdell

Listen to BRAND NEW on Spotify. Bino Rideaux · Song · 2020.


aminé: roots (Feat. jid & charlie wilson)

“Roots” by Aminé is one of those songs you can listen to at any time of the day, it doesn’t matter if you’re taking a shower or going on a late-night drive. Aminé’s verse is jam-packed with self-confidence, always making you feel good about yourself. Next thing you know JID comes out of nowhere and begins playing with the pockets like has ‘em on a string. And to top it all off, Charlie Wilson steps up to the plate and adds the melody you didn’t know you needed. This song is guaranteed to help keep you grounded during those uncertain times, and because 2020 was so uncertain, that might be why this song resonated so much with me. -Colson O’Connor

Listen to Roots (feat. JID, Charlie Wilson) on Spotify. Aminé · Song · 2020.


Larry June & Cardo: Meet Me in Frisco

There were so many great songs and records this year, which has made this list hard to choose. Surprisingly, this track is from an artist I didn’t even know about until this record dropped. A Bay-Area Native, Larry June links up with producer mastermind Cardo to deliver this summery banger. This song is so bouncy and upbeat it almost makes me upset that I spent the summer listening to it in quarantine. If you haven’t checked out this project, I would highly recommend you do so. -Carter Fife

Listen to Meet Me in Frisco on Spotify. Larry June · Song · 2020.


Charli xcx: claws

For my fifth slot, I had to be honest with our readers - this is by far my most played song this year. I have no idea how, but I guess it makes sense. I play this song constantly, and I love how Charli’s sound has matured over the past few years. Her developed artistic register allows songs like ‘Claws’ - where she revisits musical ideas previously covered on projects like “Vroom Vroom” - to sound brand new. This song is a banger, it is catchy as hell, and it is produced so well it makes me resent the Ableton icon on my desktop. Though I was tempted to include other tracks for my fifth slot, I had to give credit where it was due. -Carter Fife

Listen to claws on Spotify. Charli XCX · Song · 2020.


gunna: nasty girl

This song is captivating from the moment the best drops. It’s is the type of unique sounding best and infectious flow that changes the energy in a room. This is the epitome of everything great that Gunna was able to do on WUNNA. “NASTY GIRL” feel like taking an exotic trip and having way too much fun, and in a year like 2020 what could be more perfect. -Miles Hagan

Listen to NASTY GIRL / ON CAMERA on Spotify. Gunna · Song · 2020.


rod wave: rags2riches 2 (feat. Lil baby)

One of my favorite moments of 2020 was watching Rod Wave’s inevitable rise to stardom during the first quarter of the year. The soulful singer/rapper proved to be a source of strength for many listeners and few songs were as motivating as “Rags2Riches” off his album Pray 4 Love. The song features a thumping instrumental and a mesmerizing hook sure to be stuck in your head all week. The song got a notable upgrade when Rod released the deluxe version of Pray 4 Love and switched out ATR Son Son’s mediocre second verse for an excellent Lil Baby feature that successfully ensures the entire song is held to the same quality standard set by Rod. -Spencer Lobdell

Listen to Rags2Riches 2 (feat. Lil Baby) on Spotify. Rod Wave · Song · 2020.


action Bronson: Latin Grammys

Action Bronson genuinely surprised me with his 2020 effort Only for Dolphins. Clearly, the best song on the project is the lead single Latin Grammys, a microcosm of the success Bronson found on this record. -Luke Modugno

Listen to Latin Grammys on Spotify. Action Bronson · Song · 2020.


future & lil uzi vert: drankin n smokin

The best song on Future and Lil Uzi Vert’s Pluto x Baby Pluto, “Drankin N Smokin” is an enthralling hit that shows listeners why exactly this tape works so well. Future floats on top of the mesmerizing, guitar-driven instrumental leading to one of the most memorable hooks of the year. His chorus and first verse are so damn good that by the time that Uzi comes in at the two-minute mark you’re surprised because you’ve completely forgotten that this is a collab album at all. His off-the-wall flow gives the listener even more reasons to love the already amazing song and cements this track as one of the best of the year. -Spencer Lobdell

Listen to Drankin N Smokin on Spotify. Future · Song · 2020.



Juice wrld: stay high

“Stay High,” found on Juice’s posthumous album Legends Never Die, was one of the primary songs that helped me get through 2020. The song explores the idea of countering hard times in life by using substances and getting high. If you’re familiar with substance abuse, you know it hits differently when you are getting high for a reason (though it is typically not a good idea). This track evokes this emotion in me as I find myself wanting to lift my spirits when everything around me is bleak and depressing. This relatable theme, matched with the smooth, calming tone of Juice’s voice, is why this song earned the #5 spot on my list. -Colson O’Connor

Listen to Stay High on Spotify. Juice WRLD · Song · 2020.


nick grant & tae beast: feds

The first time I heard this song I was in complete shock. This might have been the best display of pure rapping that has come out all year. The best takes a back seat to the bars but provides a sense of urgency to everything Nick is saying. Above anything else the emotion of this song is that of someone with their sight on the top of the rap game. -Miles Hagan

Listen to FEDS on Spotify. Nick Grant · Song · 2020.


g herbo: in a minute

If you know me, you know that I never shut up about being the first guy to call Herb “Baby Hov”. Having listened to him for what seems like forever and knowing what he’s capable of lyrically, and I don’t think it’s that big of a stretch to say he reminds me of the GOAT, Jay-Z. For years I’ve been wondering when Herb would indulge more in sampled beats. The “A Week Ago” sample used in this track is one of the best lyrical performances I’ve heard this year, I hope Hov heard it. -Courtney Fields

Listen to In a Minute on Spotify. G Herbo · Song · 2020.


Mulatto: muwop (feat. gucci mane)

This remix to Gucci Mane’s “Freaky Girl” is arguably better than the original. The East Atlanta legend showed his support for the newcomer with a verse that added the perfect amount of male energy to the song and he even states how he had hopes of signing Mulatto. Name a better way for Mulatto to pay homage to her hometown and her favorite rapper than “Muwop.” -Amaya Lorick

Listen to Muwop (feat. Gucci Mane) on Spotify. Mulatto · Song · 2020.


J. Cole: The Climb Back

Unfortunately, the release of J. Cole’s highly anticipated album The Fall Off is still up in the air, however, he released two tracks that are said to be from the project, “Lion King On Ice,” and “The Climb Back.” The latter resonated much more with me, and quite honestly I’ve only heard Cole rap as hard as that on a handful of other tracks. When Cole’s main objective is to spit bars relentlessly, he doesn’t disappoint. He doesn’t do it very often, and I’m not exactly sure why he did it, but it sounds like he wanted to show off his lyrical capability and prove to others that he still got it resulting in one of the most entertaining performances of the year. -Colson O’Connor 


Listen to The Climb Back on Spotify. J. Cole · Song · 2020.


blxst: wrong or right

Off of his excellent project, No Love Lost, Blxst fails to miss and “Wrong or Right” might just be the projects peak. Over the harmonies and guitar strings, Blxst sings about the unconditional love and loyalty he shares with loved ones. The song, of course, showcases a true west coast vibe with Blxst’s smooth vocals and lyrics. -Chloe Clark


Listen to Wrong or Right on Spotify. Blxst · Song · 2020.


070 shake: guilty conscience

In 2020, we’ve watched a multitude of artists hop on the trend of fusing modern pop and R&B with synthwave and other New Wave aesthetics. Artists like The Weeknd or Dua Lipa may come to mind, but one artist who mastered this trend and flew under the radar this year was 070 Shake. Modus Vivendi, her debut album, features layers upon layers of beautiful synth & drum arrangements, and Shake’s powerful voice and tight songwriting seal the deal on this track in particular. If you need another dose of faux-80s magic in your year-end playlist, definitely check this one out. -Owen Tait

Listen to Guilty Conscience on Spotify. 070 Shake · Song · 2020.


the weeknd: faith

In the midst of this dark banger about hedonism through partying, Abel poweful exclaims “And if I OD, I want you to OD right beside me” creating potentially the best moment on one of the years best albums. The entire track morphs countless times as if it were alive, truly showcasing The Weeknd’s once-in-a-lifetime artistic vision and ability. The song is a beautiful rollercoaster of emotion in the amusement park of lust, drugs, and toxicity easily making it one of 2020’s best releases -Spencer Lobdell

Listen to Faith on Spotify. The Weeknd · Song · 2020.


reason: extinct (feat. Isaiah Rashad & jid)

This is a lot of guys who are very good at rapping in their peak form. Isaiah Rashad, Reason, and JID spend 4 minutes painting a beautiful picture over a beat that hasn’t been done justice since “Pennyroyal” by Joey Badass. It's a story of the trials and tribulations of love, that highlights the fact that we all aren’t perfect when it comes to relationships but we’re gonna keep trying. -Miles Hagan

Listen to Extinct on Spotify. REASON · Song · 2020.


bino Rideaux: mismatch (Feat. young thug)

Bino Rideaux switches it up on this remix by adding a feature from Atlanta legend Young Thug. The two great artists have so much fun on the song and truly create a banger. Bino provided` his laidback quality and Thug came with his signature flow. A vibe, to say the least. -Chloe Clark

Listen to Mismatch (The Remix) feat. Young Thug on Spotify. Bino Rideaux · Song · 2020.


kacy hill: unkind

After waiting 3 years for a new record, Kacy Hill delivered with July’s “Is It Selfish If We Talk About Me Again”. Though ‘Unkind’ begins as a spacy and ambient pop track, it gradually evolves - ending up as one of the most cinematic tracks I’ve heard this year. Kacy Hill’s mastery of track momentum reaches its fever pitch in the last 30 seconds of the song, with hard-hitting electronic tracks and vocal layers that truly makes ‘Unkind’ a moment to remember. She’s currently hard at work on her third LP, and hopefully next year we’ll get to put another one of her tracks on this list! -Carter Fife

Listen to Unkind on Spotify. Kacy Hill · Song · 2020.



21 Savage & metro boomin: runnin

Admittedly, I wasn’t a huge fan of the first Savage Mode from powerhouse duo 21 Savage and Metro Boomin, but this track alone made me return to check it out. To put it simply, “Runnin” knocks. It starts out soft with a dark, eerie Diana Ross vocal lamenting over sinister laughter and vinyl crackling, but as soon the beat comes in, neither 21 nor Metro let up. 21 delivers quotable after quotable and a haunting hook in his trademark growl, and Metro Boomin finds time to experiment with subtle textures in the beat, ensuring that the mix stays fresh and dynamic until Morgan Freeman ushers in the track’s finale. -Owen Tait

Listen to Runnin on Spotify. 21 Savage · Song · 2020.


rico nasty: ohfr?

Very few songs make my jaw drop when I first hear them, so the fact that my jaw stayed dropped until after I finished listening to this song for the first time (and I had to pull over to park my car) is a testament to just how hard it goes. Rico almost always sounds confident in her music, but this track exudes a boldness and ruthlessness that I’ve heard few other artists match in 2020. Bars such as “I do the same thing that you do / it's just with me they feel it” and “When I ask you what the issue is / you hard of hearing” easily earn Rico her stage name, and car-shaking production from Dylan Brady cements this track in my year-end list. -Owen Tait

Listen to OHFR? on Spotify. Rico Nasty · Song · 2020.


hit-boy: Nominated (feat. dom Kennedy)

In this song off of Hit Boy’s The Chauncey Hollis Project, Hit-Boy teams up with one of LA’s greatest, Dom Kennedy. The sample from The O’Jay’s “Desire Me” creates a familiar feel within the beat, with an updated twist. Hit-Boy and Dom K push narratives of grit and true hustle, even touching upon Nipsey Hussle’s relationship with Hit-Boy and lasting impact. -Chloe Clark

Listen to Nominated on Spotify. Hit-Boy · Song · 2020.


645ar: sum bout u (feat. fka twigs)

I have said it once and I will say it again: I am an unironic 645AR stan. It is easy to discredit him because his shtick is so absurd that he quite literally is the trap KK Slider. But who hasn’t wondered what it would sound like if their favorite Animal Crossing musician was a Bronx/Atlanta rapper? On his track “Sum Bout U” the squeaky-voiced legend collabs with ethereal experimental pop icon FKA Twigs for a truly earnest love song. On the track, FKA Twigs carries the chorus and bridge while 645AR holds it down on the verses. “Sum Bout U” has a kitschy 90s/early 2000s R&B sound that is played up by the duet style structure of 645AR and FKA Twigs’ lyrical exchanges. -Kaila Cherry

Listen to Sum Bout U (feat. FKA twigs) on Spotify. 645AR · Song · 2020.


Freddie Gibbs & the alchemist: babies & fools (Feat. Conway the machine)

Perhaps a less popular pick than the standouts “1985”, “Something to Rap About” or “Frank Lucas”, “Babies & Fools” is quietly the best song on Alfredo. The song features the most unique beat offering from The Alchemist, as well as the best guest verse from Conway. Freddie delivers an amusing verse full of child support puns and hard-hitting bars. Overall, the song is my favorite from the elite Alfredo. -Luke Modugno

Listen to Babies & Fools (feat. Conway the Machine) on Spotify. Freddie Gibbs · Song · 2020.


g herbo: ptsd (feat. Juice wrld, lil uzi vert, & chance the rapper)

G Herbo’s latest album PTSD dropped at the end of February, and from the moment Uzi’s well-crafted outro came to a close, I knew the title track was a top contender for song of the year. G Herbo’s harsh and aggressive tone exposes the realism of the topic at hand: inner-city violence in Chicago. G Herbo speaks from the mind of an assailant, and next follows Chance, who sheds light on the thoughts that run through the mind of a victim. This representation of both sides conveys the message that nobody wins on the streets and EVERYONE involved mentally suffers from it. The reason I love this song so much is that the artists were courageous enough to put down their shields, reveal the psychological toll that the trauma takes on them, and show people stuck in a similar position that what they are feeling is normal. Juice WRLD’s catchy hook is just the icing on the cake, sealing the deal for becoming my favorite song of 2020. -Colson O’Connor

Listen to PTSD on Spotify. G Herbo · Song · 2020.


chloe x halle: do it

“Do It” has Tik Tok and a fun dance to thank for its success but that shouldn’t discredit its value. With lyrics that promote female independence and effortlessly capture a Black girls night out, “Do It” deserved its Gold certification. -Amaya Lorick

Listen to Do It on Spotify. Chloe x Halle · Song · 2020.


lil uzi vert: prices

Although there were many standout moments on both Eternal Atake and LUV vs. The World 2, no song on either tape satisfied by Uzi craving like “Prices”. The lively banger houses everything fans love about Uzi: Braggadocios lyricism, infectious energy, and fascinating vocal inflections. The tasteful sample of Travis Scott’s “Way Back” is the icing on the cake and solidifies this track as one of 2020’s best. -Spencer Lobdell

Listen to Prices on Spotify. Lil Uzi Vert · Song · 2020.


pop smoke: tunnel vision

In a year full of tragedy, the untimely passing of pop smoke really hit home for many fans of hip-hop across the country so the release of his excellent posthumous album Shoot for the Moon Aim for the Stars was especially potent. The album builds and builds until it climaxes in epic fashion on the breath-taking outro, “Tunnel Vision”. -Miles Hagan

Listen to Tunnel Vision (Outro) on Spotify. Pop Smoke · Song · 2020.


thundercat: fair chance (Feat. ty dolla $ign & lil b)

It Is What It Is, Thundercat's third studio album is possibly the most sonically beautiful album 2020 had to offer. At the front of the pack was Fair Chance, featuring angelic vocals from Ty Dolla $ign and Thundercat. The song, like the rest of the project, is dedicated to Thundercat's late best friend Mac Miller. Although the song features an awkward feature from Lil B, the production and meaning behind the song overpowers his awful verse and present one of my favorites of 2020. -Luke Modugno

Listen to Fair Chance on Spotify. Thundercat · Song · 2020.


playboi carti: @ Meh

While I will say I’ve enjoyed the replacement tracks we’ve received from Mario Judah in the past month or so, there will only ever be one Playboi Carti. “@ MEH,” Carti’s first official streaming release since he put out the legendary Die Lit, struck up quite a bit of controversy from fans, as many said he had gone too far with his “baby voice” and were simply over it. And look… while I do agree with the sentiment that Carti’s “baby voice” could potentially ruin Whole Lotta Red, it did absolutely nothing to hinder this track. Carti’s inflections on “@ MEH” are fun, playful, and expressive, and the track carries an insane amount of replay value that kept it in my rotation year-round. -Owen Tait

Listen to @ MEH on Spotify. Playboi Carti · Song · 2020.


Cordae: the parables

Although this year we didn’t get a new Cordae album, he didn’t completely leave us hanging out to dry. The talented rapper dropped a couple of singles, one with Roddy Ricch, and one that I consider to be one of the hardest songs of the year. “The Parables” is loaded with nonstop bars and phenomenal drums that showcase the immense potential of his second studio album, most likely dropping in 2021. I have never heard Cordae sound so hungry on a song before, and I think this track was intended to let other rappers know he’s coming for the crown. -Colson O’Connor

Listen to The Parables on Spotify. Cordae · Song · 2020.


aminé: burden

Undoubtably one of the best intros of the year, “Burden” kicks off Limbo perfectly by showcasing Aminé’s artistic growth and giving us a taste of what to expect. He opens the first verse with “When your skin darker, shit get harder/This a black album like Shawn Carter” letting us know off rip that Aminé will spend a portion of the next 45 minutes speaking on race issues with a potency that few modern rappers could achieve. The song flaunts some of the best rapping Aminé has ever done and the “Thank You God” sample perfectly ties everything together. -Spencer Lobdell

Listen to Burden on Spotify. Aminé · Song · 2020.


hook: act up (feat. 645ar)

Hook was my favorite breakout artist of 2019 and she has stayed on my radar in 2020. She released three projects over the course of the year along with a slew of singles. The track of hers that clung to my ear the most out of everything was “Act Up” with 654AR. I love how this track showcases Hook at her best. Her off-kilter rap style shines, her rhymes are as hyphy as ever, and the production is simple, allowing both Hook and 645AR to be the stars of the track with no distractions. As a passionate 645AR fan, having him on the song works to elevate it even more. The piece de resistance of “Act Up” is the refrain at the very end of the track. There, Hook goes into her own rendition of Crime Mob’s “Knuck if You Buck.” Essentially, “Act Up” is all of my favorite things wrapped up into one song. -Kaila Cherry

Listen to Act Up on Spotify. Hook · Song · 2020.


Charli xcx: i finally understand

I will admit it: I am late to the Charli XCX party. For years, I thought that I was someone who didn't like electronic or pop music very much and with Charli XCX being the sweetheart for both of these genres, I stayed away from her. That was until this year. I was intrigued by the concept for the project she released this year entitled how im feeling now. The project was made during quarantine and all about her relationship with her long time and long distance boyfriend. how i’m feeling now as a whole is a sweet and sentimental album that speaks to all of the romantic cravings of my little Pisces heart. In particular, I fell in love with the track “i finally understand.” The song speaks to the experience of meeting someone and finding yourself falling for them but being afraid of going further in case the relationship does not turn out how you’d like to be. “i finally understand” speaks immaculately to the question: “I like you. What now?” -Kaila Cherry

Listen to i finally understand on Spotify. Charli XCX · Song · 2020.


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